Several top US defence companies are taking part in a US-India Business Council delegation at the AeroIndia 2009 conference and show in Bangalore. The USIBC is an organization working to strengthen ties between the United States and India in defence technology.

This is the ninth year of USIBC's presence, marking the growing collaboration between India and US defence companies.

The executive defence mission is being led by Vicki Panhuise of Honeywell, retired Gen Chuck Wald from L-3 Communications and retired Gen Bruce Scott from ITT Defense International, along with retired Lt Gen Jeffrey Kohler from Boeing.

"The impressive turnout of US companies on this executive mission speaks volumes as to our member companies' commitment to partner with India," Ron Somers, USIBC president, said in a statement.